Stage 1 burn ban called for five eastern Washington counties

A Stage 1 burn ban has been called beginning today in Stevens, Walla Walla,
Kittitas, Chelan and Douglas counties, according to the Washington Department of
Ecology (Ecology). Stagnant air is expected to cause poor air quality over the
next few days.

Ecology’s Stage 1 burn ban for Stevens, Walla Walla, Kittitas, Chelan and
Douglas counties will continue until at least 4 p.m. Monday, Nov. 25, when it
could be called off or extended. The Stage 1 ban applies to the use of
uncertified wood-burning devices (including wood stoves, inserts and fireplaces)
and to all outdoor burning.

All outdoor burning – including residential, agricultural and forest burning
– is prohibited.

Under a Stage 1, ban the use of uncertified wood-burning devices – including
fireplaces, wood stoves and inserts – is prohibited unless they are a home’s
only adequate source of heat.

Smoke from outdoor burning and wood-burning devices builds up where cold air
is trapped near the ground. Fine particles in smoke are so small they can easily
get into your lungs. Once there, they can cause heart and breathing problems,
and even death. Children, people with asthma and respiratory illnesses, and
adults older than 65 are most at risk.

A
2009 Ecology analysis estimates that fine particles contribute to about
1,100 deaths and about $190 million in health-care costs each year in
Washington.

The Washington State Department of Health recommends that people who are
sensitive to air pollution limit time spent outdoors, especially when
exercising. Air pollution can trigger asthma attacks, cause difficulty
breathing, and make lung and heart problems worse. Air pollution is especially
harmful to people with lung and heart problems, people with diabetes, children,
and adults over age 65.

Ecology recommends that people limit vehicle trips, combine errands or use
public transportation to reduce air pollution.

You can track air quality in your area by using the Washington Air Quality
Advisory (WAQA).
This is Ecology’s tool for informing people about the health effects of air
pollution, including fine particles. It uses color-coded categories to show when
air quality is good, moderate or unhealthy.